For four years the parishes
of Badsey with Aldington, Offenham and Bretforton have been linked with a group
of churches in the Halberstadt region of Germany. As part of the
partnership, the band visited us in June 2002.

Our friends, arrived after
a very long journey, on Thursday. The evening was spent with their hosts and
I think they all had an early night. Friday started with a tour of Evesham and
shopping before we joined in Midday Prayers at All Saints A superb lunch was
provided from the hospitality group at All Saints Church. Then on to Blackminster
School for the band to play for the staff and children. Everyone waved their
arms when Land of Hope and Glory was played. Tea and a look at the tree at Offenham
School followed. The weekend saw us visiting Beckford Silk and Tewkesbury. We
celebrated communion together and joined in a special service for the Morris
Men. They danced in the aisle and we all released untied balloons to show that
we were all united in the Holy Spirit. The band played at both services. The
theme of the weekend seemed to be sharing in one big party. This began at the
Fleece on Friday with both The German and Bretforton Band playing together,
then a party including food, games and music following Saturday's service and
we ended with a superb lunch (after the football!) at Bretforton Manor. In no
time at all we were waving them goodbye with promises to visit them next May.